The Public Service Association (PSA) says the $1 billion shortfall in the health budget identified in a new analysis by the Council of Trade Unions will hurt Kiwis and worsen health outcomes for years.

Erin Polaczuk, PSA national secretary, said “Health cuts hurt everyone, and the Government must accept responsibility for the impact of this huge shortfall,”

“Leaving the health budget $1 billion worse off than in 2009 means DHBs are forced to reduce services, increase workloads and implement other cost-cutting measures.

“Health staff like the nearly 18,000 PSA members working in DHBs have borne the brunt of the flawed ‘doing more with less’ mantra.

“The increasing workloads due to funding shortfalls are putting staff under immense pressure and making it harder to give patients the care they need.

“Our members at DHBs are saying that they, and the patients they care for, are worth respect.

“The Government needs to plug the funding shortfall and start investing in the people who ensure New Zealanders’ health,” said Erin Polaczuk.